What is the #1 boundary for families set? That is a big question!! A question that can be distilled down to one thing...and you already know what it is. Listen to this clip in my last podcast episode. So much wisdom in this one answer!
Creating unbreakable boundaries is really about honoring yourself and others. In this episode, Dr. Susan and I get into some really great conversations about creating awareness around the question that Dr. Susan loves to ask, "Why does this make sense?" Having a loved one with substance abuse is complex, challenging,…
In this video, I go through some different things I look for when I sit down at a computer and look into a rehab. This is just to start narrowing down all the different options you have. *How long have they been open *How many people per room *Family Program…
Lying when you have a loved one in addiction is something you are probably all too familiar with, so what do you do about it? What can you do about it? To start with realize it's not personal. To maintain your sanity, figure out how to ground yourself and deal…
Boundaries do no equal conflict. A lot of times when I am working with family members, I will say generally, "Set your boundaries" they will push back and tell me they hate conflict. But boundaries isn't about creating conflict. It's about saying you love yourself and that you are going…
I met Allison as part of my Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Book Club. Wholehearted living is so important for people who are dealing with loved ones in addiction. Through the situations we find ourselves in during this time period, it's important to connect with yourself and with others.…
Give yourself permission to be happy, to bring joy in your life, to do what YOU want to do. Sometimes, when we have loved ones with substance abuse issues, it's like our lives are not ours anymore. Give yourself permission to reclaim your life because as much as we want…
There are 3 main factors that go into someone's ability to manipulate us. 1. Fear 2. Obligation 3. Guilt Doing our own work prevents people from having the ability to get us easily with their manipulation. When you sense you are being manipulated, ask yourself What am I afraid of?…
Nick and Kaitlin have been through it all together. Meeting at 15 right when Nick's addictive drinking started, Kaitlin got to see the evolution of addiction, and somehow they have gotten to the otherside. Through many tumultuous periods of their relationship, they have managed to navigate through Nick discovering he…
Boundaries...whew...when I say boundaries, a lot of people perk up because we sometimes struggle in this arena. With our parents, coworkers, siblings, spouses, and so on. We have notions of what saying no will do, we fear abandonment, rejection, we fear that people will perceive us as angry people, and…
Brittany Brown answers the question: What can families do to support their loved ones with substance abuse?
When you have loved ones with substance abuse issues, receiving judgments is something you may face. Sometimes the people we receive the most judgments from is ourselves. How to we clear out the judgements and gain confidence in ourselves, and clarity around what is going on with us? How do…
Setting boundaries, aaaaah so difficult...or are they? Learn how to set unbreakable boundaries. Yes this video was made for specifically for people with substance abuse issues, but the main principles apply in other aspects.
What do you do when you find yourself in this constant pattern of your loved one lying? How do you break the cycle and handle it? How do you change the dynamics of the relationship? How do you come to a place of peace? This video shows a very effective…
If you have a loved one in addiction, or even in early recovery, new years is a particularly difficult time of the year. They are having to face some hard truths as they look back on a potentially messy and crazy year. So, how do we support them and show…
Do you have a loved one coming up on a year in recovery? It's so amazing!!! Yes we get so excited, AND there are some things you can also expect. People in recovery can find themselves being weird a month before these milestones. You should know what to expect.
Substance Abuse is not a problem that simply goes away. If you have a loved one with substance abuse issues, acceptance that you are going to have to figure out how to be the person you need to be in order to best support and help them is going to…
Guilt and Shame play big parts in addiction. Both for the families and for the people dealing with substance abuse. I feel like Brené Brown really highlighted this best in her book Daring Greatly. I read just a few paragraphs in this video to highlight some points but really this…
Early recovery is challenging for people getting off drugs. It's emotional, there is a lot of shame they are dealing with, a lot of questions, self doubts etc. Knowing how to help them through this time can be helpful. What you may see as red flags may just be a…
If you have a loved one that is in early recovery, there are some things you should be aware of so you know how you can support them. It can be challenging. It is like being a newborn with adult expectations. We have to relearn how to live our lives,…
Are we setting unrealistic expectations when we ask a person with substance abuse if they are "getting high" or "drinking" and expecting them to be honest with us? How do we get them to admit it?
This was our second Parents Impact meeting where we were answering questions for parents that have loved ones with substance abuse issues and want to know how they can help.
Why do people manipulate, if you have a loved one with substance abuse issues, this is going to be a valuable video to know how to deal with their manipulations. I go into the 4 emotions they use against you and a few things you can do for yourself to…
Dealing with all the lying with a person that is dealing with substance abuse can be frustrating and cause a great deal of doubting yourself and overall stress. This is a strategy that I use when I'm dealing with someone I know that is lying to me and it can…